Mikey Day (born Michael William Day on March 20, 1980, in Orange, California) is an American actor, comedian and writer known for his work in sketch comedy and improvisation. He has been a visible presence on television comedy and streaming shows, and is a current cast member on Saturday Night Live. Day's public profile combines live improv roots with television sketch writing and hosting.
Early life and training
Day grew up in Orange, California, where an early interest in performance led him toward improvisation and sketch theater. He developed his craft with the Groundlings, a Los Angeles-based improv troupe, learning character work, rapid-response humor, and collaborative writing that are typical of performers who move into television comedy. The Groundlings connection is a common pathway for many American sketch comedians seeking television work; Day's training there emphasized spontaneity and character-driven sketches.
Career development
Before joining network sketch television, Day gained attention as an original cast member on Nick Cannon's improvisational series Wild 'n Out on MTV, where improv games and crowd-driven comedy showcased his timing and adaptability. His experience on that program and in improv ensembles helped him transition to writing and sketch performance for larger television formats. He later became part of the ensemble on the long-running late-night sketch show Saturday Night Live, contributing both on-screen performances and behind-the-scenes writing.
Notable work and style
Day's comedic style blends quick character impressions, physical humor, and tightly written sketches. On television he has been involved in a variety of short-form and long-form sketches, and on streaming platforms he expanded into hosting. One of his recent, widely seen projects is the hosting role on the novelty competition series Is It Cake?, which brought a mainstream streaming audience to his comic sensibility. He also continues to appear in film and guest roles on television series, drawing on his improv background for ensemble and solo performances.
Selected projects and roles
- Saturday Night Live — cast member and sketch performer
- Wild 'n Out — original improv cast
- Groundlings improv and sketch troupe training (Los Angeles-based)
- Is It Cake? — host of the competition/novelty series
Day's trajectory—from improvisational stages to television writing and performing—illustrates a common career path in contemporary American comedy. His work emphasizes collaborative sketch creation, recurring character development, and the ability to adapt improvisational skills to scripted television formats. For more details about specific sketches, impressions, and episodes, readers may consult season guides and performer biographies on official program pages and entertainment databases (actor credits and comedian profiles contain listings).